100 Days Across Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Philippines, Sri Lanka and India: A Relaxing, Foodie-Friendly, Beach-to-Temple Itinerary

Drift from golden temples and night markets to dream beaches and tea-carpeted hills on a slow-travel, 100-day journey through Southeast and South Asia—built for post-army decompression, culture, food, photography, and spa time.
A beautiful aerial view of a tropical beach with boats and lush greenery, ideal for vacation.
Photo by Tirachard Kumtanom on Pexels

Asia rewards unhurried travel. Across Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and India, ancient capitals sit beside neon skylines; jungle-fringed bays give way to terraced tea and desert forts. This 100-day itinerary is crafted for a relaxing pace after the army—plenty of beach days, spa time, and long, lingering meals—without skipping icons like Angkor Wat, Ha Long Bay, Sigiriya, and the Taj Mahal.

Expect warm hospitality, layered histories, and some of the most addictive cuisines on earth—fiery Thai curries, Khmer grilled fish, Vietnamese noodle bowls, Filipino lechon, Sri Lankan rice-and-curry, and North Indian kebabs and breads. We’ve threaded in foodie walks, cooking classes, ethical wildlife encounters, and soft adventures like waterfall hikes and kayak days for great photos without the rush.

Practical notes: visa rules and e-visa systems vary by country—check entry requirements and any vaccination advisories before booking. Monsoon patterns differ (Andaman coast vs. Gulf of Thailand; North vs. South Vietnam), so pack light layers, breathable fabrics, and a good rain shell. For flights and trains, use Trip.com Flights, Kiwi.com, and for regional rail in Asia Trip.com Trains.

Bangkok

Days 1–6: Temples, canals, markets, spa time

Bangkok’s energy is electric: gilded wats, sizzling street stalls, hidden canals, and rooftop sunsets over the Chao Phraya. Ease in with late mornings, a massage, and evenings of food-hopping by tuk-tuk.

  • Top sights & experiences: Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun by sunset, a khlong (canal) cruise, and Chatuchak Weekend Market for photography and snacks.
  • Relaxing picks: A Thai massage at a reputable spa; slow boat on the klongs; riverfront sunset drinks.

Recommended activities (Viator)

Eat & drink: Try pad thai at Thipsamai (charcoal wok, tamarind-kissed), crab omelet at Jay Fai (book early), classic curries at Krua Apsorn, and a late coffee at Gallery Drip Coffee or Roast. Nightcaps at Teens of Thailand (gin-forward) or the riverside decks by Wat Arun.

Stay: - Splurge: Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok or The Siam Hotel
- Riverside resort vibe: Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort
- Mid/budget: Lub d Bangkok Siam or Niras Bankoc Cultural Hostel
- Browse more: VRBO Bangkok | Hotels.com Bangkok

Getting in: Search inbound flights to Bangkok on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Chiang Mai

Days 7–12: Lanna heritage, waterfalls, elephants (ethical), cooking class

Ringed by mountains and moats, Chiang Mai is Thailand’s slow-life capital—Lanna temples, night bazaars, and jungle day trips. It’s perfect for hiking, photography, and learning to cook regional dishes like khao soi.

  • Nature days: Doi Inthanon’s twin pagodas, forest trails, and waterfalls; morning markets for fresh fruit and flowers.
  • Local life: Take a Thai cooking class; browse Nimmanhaemin’s cafes and artisan boutiques.

Recommended activities (Viator)

Eat & drink: Slurp khao soi at Khao Soi Mae Sai or Khao Soi Khun Yai; charcoal chicken at SP Chicken; northern-style herb sausages at the Chang Phuak Gate night market. Coffee pilgrims flock to Ristr8to and Akha Ama.

Stay: - Boutique heritage: 137 Pillars House
- Full-service: Shangri-La Hotel, Chiang Mai
- Mid/budget: Green Tiger House or Green Sleep Hostel
- Browse more: VRBO Chiang Mai | Hotels.com Chiang Mai

Getting there: Fly Bangkok → Chiang Mai (≈1h15; ~$35–80) via Trip.com / Kiwi.com, or take the scenic overnight sleeper (≈12–13h) on Trip.com Trains (~$20–40).

Phuket (Andaman Coast)

Days 13–18: Island-hopping, sea caves, ethical elephant morning

Base in Phuket for beaches and boat days to James Bond and the Phi Phi archipelago. Mix snorkeling with quiet mornings and a spa afternoon to keep the pace mellow.

Recommended activities (Viator)

Eat & drink: Southern Thai at One Chun; rustic seafood under mangroves at Mor Mu Dong; royal recipes at Blue Elephant Phuket. Coffee at Bookhemian; sunset mocktails at Kata or Nai Harn viewpoints.

Stay: - Upscale wellness: JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa or Trisara Phuket
- Mid/budget: Lub d Phuket Patong
- Browse more: VRBO Phuket | Hotels.com Phuket

Getting there: Fly Chiang Mai → Phuket (≈2h; ~$45–100) via Trip.com.

Siem Reap

Days 19–24: Angkor sunrise to floating villages

Siem Reap is your gateway to Angkor’s stone poetry—root-wrapped Ta Prohm, serene Bayon faces, and Angkor Wat’s lotus towers flaring at dawn. Between temple loops, refuel on Khmer cuisine and catch an acrobatic performance.

Recommended activities (Viator)

Eat & drink: Refined Khmer at Malis; farm-to-table at HAVEN (training restaurant); creative plates and cocktails at Pou. Cool off with gelato at Gelato Lab; coffee at The Little Red Fox Espresso.

Stay: - Splurge: Amansara
- Budget/social: Onederz Hostel Siem Reap
- Browse more: VRBO Siem Reap | Hotels.com Siem Reap

Getting there: Fly Phuket → Siem Reap (via Bangkok; 3.5–5h total; ~$120–220) on Trip.com.

Phnom Penh

Days 25–28: Royal palaces, riverfront, sobering history, street eats

Phnom Penh blends royal pomp with powerful memorials to the Khmer Rouge era. Balance visits to the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda with time for reflection at Tuol Sleng and Choeung Ek.

Recommended activities (Viator)

Eat & drink: Destination spots include Malis for fine Khmer, Khéma for bistro fare and patisserie, and Backyard Cafe for wholesome bowls. Sunset over the Tonlé Sap at Sora Skybar is a treat.

Stay: - Heritage: Raffles Hotel Le Royal
- Midrange: Okay Boutique Hotel or The Pavilion
- Browse more: VRBO Phnom Penh | Hotels.com Phnom Penh

Getting there: Siem Reap → Phnom Penh by flight (≈45m; ~$60–100) or bus (5–6h; ~$10–15). Book air on Trip.com.

Hanoi

Days 29–35: Old Quarter, egg coffee, karst bays and Ninh Binh

French-colonial boulevards and buzzing alleys make Hanoi irresistible for photos and street eating. Use it as a base for Ha Long Bay and the Ninh Binh mountains and paddies.

Recommended activities (Viator)

Eat & drink: Pho Gia Truyen (Bat Dan) for breakfast; bun cha at Huong Lien (Obama’s lunch spot); banh mi at Banh Mi 25; egg coffee at Cafe Giang; bia hoi corner at Ta Hien for evening people-watching.

Stay: - Classic: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
- Midrange: Hanoi La Siesta Hotel & Spa or Somerset Grand Hanoi
- Browse more: VRBO Hanoi | Hotels.com Hanoi

Getting there: Fly Phnom Penh → Hanoi (≈1h50–2h; ~$100–180) via Trip.com.

Hoi An (via Da Nang)

Days 36–42: Lantern-lit nights, beaches, and cooking classes

Hoi An’s trading-port Old Town glows at dusk with silk lanterns and riverboats. It’s a stellar place to slow down—tailor a shirt, hit An Bang beach, and take a Vietnamese cooking class.

Recommended activities (Viator)

Eat & drink: Banh Mi Phuong or Madam Khanh for Hoi An’s benchmark sandwiches; Morning Glory Original for local classics; Bale Well for DIY rice paper wraps. A serene tea service at Reaching Out Tea House; beachside cafes at An Bang.

Stay: - Luxury beach: Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, Hoi An
- Riverside: Anantara Hoi An Resort or Palm Garden Beach Resort & Spa
- Budget/social: Tribee Bana Hostel
- Browse more: VRBO Hoi An | Hotels.com Hoi An

Getting there: Hanoi → Da Nang flight (≈1h20; ~$40–90) or sleeper train (≈15–16h). Book via Trip.com Flights or Trip.com Trains. Transfer 45–60 minutes to Hoi An.

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Days 43–48: War history, scooter snacks, Mekong day

Saigon is kinetic—French-colonial landmarks and alley-cafes, war-era tunnels, and a modern food scene. Keep the mornings easy, then head out for street eats and sunset views.

Recommended activities (Viator)

Eat & drink: Pho Hoa Pasteur for a classic bowl; The Lunch Lady for rotating noodle soups; Banh Xeo 46A for sizzling crepes; craft beer at Pasteur Street Brewing; Nguyen Hue Walking Street for evening energy.

Stay: - Luxe: The Reverie Saigon
- Mid: Silverland Yen Hotel or Sherwood Residence
- Budget/social: The Common Room Project
- Browse more: VRBO Ho Chi Minh City | Hotels.com Ho Chi Minh City

Getting there: Da Nang → Ho Chi Minh City flight (≈1h25; ~$40–90). Book on Trip.com.

Manila

Days 49–52: Intramuros heritage, Tagaytay views, food and folk dance

Manila is a mosaic of eras—from walled Spanish Intramuros to gleaming Makati. With a relaxed pace, you can savor history, artisan coffee, and a countryside escape to Tagaytay’s cool ridge.

Recommended activities (Viator)

Eat & drink: Modern Filipino at Manam; seasonal tasting menus at Toyo Eatery; late-night tacos at El Chupacabra in Poblacion. Coffee at Yardstick; cocktails at The Curator or Run Rabbit Run.

Stay: - Luxe: The Peninsula Manila
- Mid/budget: Red Planet Manila Bay or Z Hostel
- Browse more: VRBO Manila | Hotels.com Manila

Getting there: Ho Chi Minh City → Manila (≈3h; ~$120–220). Search Trip.com.

Cebu (plus Moalboal & Oslob day trips)

Days 53–59: Waterfalls, whale sharks, sardine run, Bohol day

Base in Cebu for the Visayas: swim beside a living wall of sardines in Moalboal, chase turquoise cascades at Kawasan, and take a mellow river cruise in Bohol after the Chocolate Hills.

Recommended activities (Viator)

Eat & drink: Rico’s Lechon or House of Lechon for crispy roast pork; Lantaw for sea views; La Vie Parisienne for pastries and wine; Shaka Cafe for healthy smoothies between swims.

Stay: - Beachy resorts: Shangri-La's Mactan Resort and Spa or Plantation Bay Resort and Spa
- Mid/budget: ABC Hotel Cebu or Cebu R Hotel - Capitol
- Browse more: VRBO Cebu | Hotels.com Cebu

Getting there: Manila → Cebu (≈1h30; ~$30–70). Book Trip.com.

Palawan (El Nido & Puerto Princesa)

Days 60–66: Limestone lagoons, secret beaches, underground river

Palawan is island-dream stuff: jade lagoons in El Nido and a world-famous Underground River near Puerto Princesa. Split time between El Nido’s island-hopping and a day in Sabang for the cave cruise.

Recommended activities (Viator)

Eat & drink: In El Nido, go for wood-fired pies at Trattoria Altrove, mezze and smoothies at Happiness Beach Bar, and live music at Republica Sunset Bar. In Puerto Princesa, book KaLui for seafood and vegetables in a tropical setting.

Stay: - Dream splurge: Amanpulo (private island; fly-in only)
- Beach-lodge: Daluyon Beach and Mountain Resort (Sabang)
- Social/budget El Nido: Spin Designer Hostel - El Nido
- Browse more: Hotels.com Palawan

Getting there: Cebu → El Nido (AirSwift, ≈1h25; ~$100–160) or Cebu → Puerto Princesa (≈1h25; ~$40–80). Book via Trip.com.

Sigiriya (Cultural Triangle), Sri Lanka

Days 67–71: Rock fortress, cave temples, elephant gathering

Sri Lanka greets you with ancient capitals and rock citadels draped in jungle. Base near Sigiriya to climb the frescoed rock fortress, explore Dambulla’s cave temples, and safari among wild elephants.

Recommended activities (Viator)

Eat & drink: Try rice-and-curry spreads with coconut sambol at roadside cafés; look out for “Hela Bojun” women-led food halls for hygienic, affordable bites and fresh juices.

Stay: - Luxe nature: Water Garden Sigiriya
- Mid: Aliya Resort and Spa or Sigiriya Village Hotel
- Browse more: VRBO Sigiriya | Hotels.com Sigiriya

Getting there: Manila → Colombo (one-stop via Singapore/KL; 9–12h; ~$200–450). Then private car Colombo → Sigiriya (≈4.5–5h).

Kandy & Ella (Hill Country), Sri Lanka

Days 72–77: Tea hills by train, temples, little peaks

Kandy’s lake and Temple of the Tooth give way to emerald estates and mist in Ella. The Kandy–Ella rail line is among the world’s most scenic—ideal for unhurried window-gazing.

Recommended activities (Viator)

Eat & drink: In Kandy, The Empire Cafe for Sri Lankan mains and espresso; in Ella, Café Chill for laid-back bites and juices, Matey Hut for homestyle curries. Consider a hands-on cooking lesson in Ella for spice lore and hoppers.

Stay: - Kandy: The Kandy House, Amaya Hills Kandy, or Kandy City Hostel
- Ella: 98 Acres Resort & Spa or Ella Rock House
- Browse more: Hotels.com Kandy | Hotels.com Ella

Getting there: Sigiriya → Kandy by car (≈2.5–3h), then Kandy → Ella by scenic train (≈6–7h; <$20) via Trip.com Trains.

Galle & Mirissa (South Coast), Sri Lanka

Days 78–82: Dutch ramparts, whales, and beach days

Wind down by the Indian Ocean: stroll Galle Fort’s UNESCO ramparts, then rest in Mirissa or Weligama with yoga, spa time, and sunrise swims. Peak “relaxing vibe.”

Recommended activities (Viator)

Eat & drink: In Galle Fort, Fortaleza for grilled seafood and steaks, The Tuna & The Crab for Japanese-Sri Lankan fusion, and Peddlar’s Inn for casual meals. In Mirissa, beachfront BBQ shacks and smoothie bowls abound.

Stay: - Galle: Amangalla or Jetwing Lighthouse
- Mirissa: Sri Sharavi Beach Villas & Spa or Paradise Beach Club
- Browse more: Hotels.com Galle | Hotels.com Mirissa

Getting there: Ella → South Coast by car (≈4–5h). South Coast → Colombo airport later (≈2.5–3h).

Delhi

Days 83–86: Old lanes to imperial vistas

Delhi is two cities in one: Shah Jahan’s Old Delhi of spice markets and minarets, and Lutyens’ New Delhi of tree-lined avenues and grand memorials. Keep mornings gentle; tour in the cooler late afternoon.

Recommended activities (Viator)

Eat & drink: Paranthe Wali Gali for stuffed breads; kebabs at Karim’s by Jama Masjid; modern Indian tasting menus at Indian Accent; coffee and wine at Perch or Blue Tokai.

Stay: - Luxe: The Leela Palace New Delhi or The Imperial, New Delhi
- Mid/budget: Bloomrooms @ New Delhi Railway Station or The Suryaa New Delhi
- Browse more: VRBO Delhi | Hotels.com Delhi

Getting there: Colombo → Delhi nonstop (≈3.5–4h; ~$150–280). Book Trip.com.

Agra

Days 87–89: Taj at sunrise, Mughal gardens

Nothing prepares you for the Taj Mahal’s symmetry at first light. Pair it with Agra Fort and the “Baby Taj” for a complete Mughal arc—then retreat for a slow lunch.

Recommended activities (Viator)

Eat & drink: North-Indian mains at Pinch of Spice; grills at Peshawri (advance booking advised). For street bites, look for chaat stands near Sadar Bazaar in early evening.

Stay: - Iconic Taj-view: The Oberoi Amarvilas
- Mid: Courtyard by Marriott Agra or Hotel Taj Resorts
- Browse more: Hotels.com Agra

Getting there: Delhi → Agra on Gatimaan Express (≈1h40; ~$10–20) or by highway car (≈3–4h). Check Trip.com Trains.

Jaipur

Days 90–95: Pink City palaces, stepwells, sunset forts

Jaipur’s terracotta facades hide airy palaces, mirrored halls, and astronomy gardens. Climb to Amber Fort in the golden hour; browse block prints and blue pottery; sip chai on a haveli terrace.

Recommended activities (Viator)

Eat & drink: Rawat Mishthan Bhandar for onion kachori; LMB (Laxmi Mishthan Bhandar) for sweets and thali; rooftop tea at Tapri Central; cocktails in the blue salons of Bar Palladio; railroad-themed pizzas at Steam (Rambagh).

Stay: - Heritage stays: Rambagh Palace or Trident Jaipur
- Mid: ITC Rajputana, a Luxury Collection Hotel or Holiday Inn Jaipur City Centre
- Budget/social: Zostel Jaipur
- Browse more: VRBO Jaipur | Hotels.com Jaipur

Getting there: Agra → Jaipur by train (≈4–5h; ~$5–15) or car (≈4h). Trains via Trip.com Trains.

Optional: Mumbai (swap for 3–4 days from Jaipur if you prefer a coastal finale)

Days 96–100 suggestion: Gothic skylines, markets, Elephanta Caves

If you’d like a big-city coastal finish, add Mumbai for Victorian Gothic architecture, film-industry buzz, and a boat ride to the cave temples of Elephanta.

Recommended activities (Viator)

Eat & drink: Pav bhaji at Cannon near CST; Parsi fare at Britannia & Co.; seafood thali at Highway Gomantak; sunset at Marine Drive.

Stay: - Luxe icons: The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai or The Oberoi, Mumbai
- Mid/budget: Hotel Residency Fort
- Browse more: VRBO Mumbai | Hotels.com Mumbai

Getting there / away: Jaipur → Mumbai flight (≈1h50; ~$50–120) and depart India from BOM or return to Delhi for your international flight via Trip.com.

Inter-city Travel Snapshot (estimated, morning departures)

  • Bangkok → Chiang Mai: 1h15 flight ($35–80) or 12–13h sleeper train ($20–40).
  • Chiang Mai → Phuket: 2h flight ($45–100).
  • Phuket → Siem Reap: 3.5–5h (via Bangkok) ($120–220).
  • Siem Reap → Phnom Penh: 45m flight ($60–100) or 5–6h bus ($10–15).
  • Phnom Penh → Hanoi: ~2h flight ($100–180).
  • Hanoi → Da Nang (Hoi An): 1h20 flight ($40–90) or 15–16h train.
  • Da Nang → Ho Chi Minh City: 1h25 flight ($40–90).
  • HCMC → Manila: ~3h flight ($120–220).
  • Manila → Cebu: 1h30 flight ($30–70).
  • Cebu → Palawan: 1h25 flight ($40–160 depending on route).
  • Manila/Palawan → Colombo: one-stop 9–12h ($200–450).
  • Colombo → Sigiriya: 4.5–5h by car; Sri Lanka rail/bus options are slower and indirect.
  • Sigiriya → Kandy: 2.5–3h car; Kandy → Ella: 6–7h scenic train.
  • South Coast → Colombo Airport: 2.5–3h car.
  • Colombo → Delhi: 3.5–4h direct ($150–280).
  • Delhi → Agra: 1h40 Gatimaan Express ($10–20).
  • Agra → Jaipur: 4–5h train ($5–15) or 4h car.
  • Jaipur → Mumbai (optional): 1h50 flight ($50–120).

Daily rhythm suggestion (relaxing vibe): Mornings easy (coffee, late starts), sightseeing 10:00–14:00, siesta/spa 14:00–17:00, golden-hour strolls, dinner and night markets. Add one “blank” day every 4–5 days for laundry, photos, and beach or pool time.

Summary: Over 100 days, you’ll glide from Bangkok’s canals to Angkor’s dawn, from karst bays and sardine shoals to Sri Lanka’s tea hills, then close among India’s marble mausoleums and pink palaces. The pacing is gentle, the meals memorable, and the highlights unmissable—an after-army sabbatical designed to restore and inspire.

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